NAM jumpstarts food drive for the summer

Published 11:27 am, Monday, March 14, 2011

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The Survival Over Summer (SOS) food drive, hosted by the Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM), has officially begun, challenging residents to provide their neighbors in need with a basic necessity: food.

"Every summer we do a drive with an idea of having enough supplies to last throughout the summer for food," Rebecca Landes, the vice president of program services at NAM, said. "There tends to be a greater need in the summer time when all the kids are out of school. Those children from low-income families would be, oftentimes, getting both breakfast and lunch at school. So, food supply tends to go really quickly over the summer."

Residents typically remember to donate food to the less fortunate during the holiday season - a time where merrymaking is generally gathered around a meal.

However, some individuals tend to forget that while they're off making summer plans others are less worried about a vacation and more concerned with obtaining their next meal.

"We know about the hunger issue around the world but we need to also know it is in the community," Robin Charlesworth, the president of the Rotary Club of Houston Northwest Sunset who recently participated in NAM's Art for the Hungry, said. "It's important that we give back."

Food donations can be dropped off at NAM located at 15555 Kuykendahl.

In addition to supplying snacks to the center, residents can also get involved by sponsoring a food drive on the behalf of NAM or submitting a cash donation that will benefit the Food Pantry.

"Food is our most requested service that we have at NAM. Last year, we had a 30 % increase in the request for food items and I know that in the community food security has been and continues to be an important issue," Landes said. "It's also a good way to get different groups in the community involved because food is something that everyone, from kids to adults, can collect."

To learn more about the Survival Over Summer food drive or the Food Pantry, call (281) 885-4589 or visit www.namonline.org.